June 2019
Every summer our family packs up a tent and several tubs of gear and finds a state park to explore. This year we chose Interstate State Park near Taylor’s Falls, MN on the St. Croix River. The idea of exploring glacial potholes and floating in a canoe appealed to us and was just a short drive from home. Away we went.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- We arrived at our campsite about 2pm to set up our tent and make ourselves comfy. We reserved campsite #6 because it was on the river allowing the boys easy access to skip rocks or explore.
- After getting settled we hit the River Trail to the Glacial Potholes Area of the park. It was an easy, 1.25 mile hike to the potholes with scenic views overlooking the river.
- A mere 10,000 years ago melting glaciers made up of swirling sand and water carved out hundreds of potholes in the park. The boys enjoyed that they were able to walk down into one of them.
- We hiked back to our site via the Railroad Trail, a paved path that follows an old railroad bed and then connects with the Sandstone Bluffs trail back to the campground.
- We capped off our evening with s’mores and a sunset over the river.
Canoeing
- Day 2
- We went into town for a big breakfast at Chisago House Restaurant in Taylor’s Falls. We wanted full bellies before we set out on our seven mile canoe venture. Just around the corner from our campsite was Taylor’s Falls Canoe and Kayak Rental. Our $50 rental included the canoe, life jackets, paddles and a shuttle pick up from Osceola back to the campground.
- The water was claim and the paddle effortless (at least for our son, Bridger). About 3 hours later, we met our pick-up van and were back at the campground. Time for ice cream!
- Day 3
- Time to tear down, pack up and head home to plan our next adventure
Our family had a great time at Interstate State Park. Minnesota State Parks have been some of our best family vacations. See our most recent trip to some of southeastern Minnestoa’s State Parks.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle